In many cases, the end of the year gives you time to step back and take stock of the last 12 months. This is when many of us take a hard look at what worked and what did not, complete performance reviews, and formulate plans for the coming year. For me, it is all of those things plus a time when I u...

CHICAGO, Feb. 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Sittercity, America's largest and most trusted online solution for connecting families with quality local caregivers, has launched its America's Top Sitter Contest to celebrate the nation's exceptional babysitters and nannies.

Anyone who knows a babysitter or nanny they think deserving of the title, "America's Top Sitter," can nominate that person through Sittercity's Facebook page (facebook.com/sittercity). The grand prize winner will receive $5,000 in cash, and nine finalists will each receive a $100 SpaFinder gift card.

"The purpose of the contest is to celebrate the amazing sitters and nannies who enrich kids' lives," said Melissa Marchwick, mother-to-be and Executive Vice President, Sittercity. Mrs. Marchwick will also sit on the expert panel of judges for the contest. "We think of great babysitters and nannies as unsung heroes, and we want to pay tribute to the important role they play."

Sittercity, founded in 2001, connects families with experienced caregivers in their area, including babysitters, nannies, tutors, senior care providers, pet sitters, and housekeepers. The company provides detailed caregiver profiles that include parent reviews, background checks, up-to-date availability, references and caregiving experience. Sittercity is also offered to over 500 corporations, universities and government agencies as an employee benefit through SelectPlus, the Company's corporate program.

A panel of expert judges will select 10 finalists from the nominations. The judges are: Yoanna House, winner of America's Next Top Model Season 2 and mom of a two-year-old; Sarah Evans, tech superstar, founder of #journchat on Twitter and a new mom; Melanie Notkin (aka Savvy Auntie), national bestselling author and an aunt who frequently babysits; Stefania Pomponi Butler (aka CitiMama), President & Chief Evangelist, Clever Girls Collective, Inc., one of Forbes' Ten Mommy 'hood Gurus, and mom of three; Dave Kerpen, dad of two girls, New York Times bestselling author and co-founder of Likeable Media; and Melissa Marchwick, Executive Vice President, Sittercity and soon-to-be mom.

The deadline for nominations for America's Top Sitter is Feb. 26, at 11:59 p.m. EST. There is no cost to enter.Those nominating a sitter must write a brief essay of up to 200 words that highlights the sitter's experience/knowledge, dependability, creativity and commitment/flexibility. Submitting a photo is optional. Once the finalists are selected, members of the Facebook community will have from March 5 to March 15 to vote for the winner. The babysitter or nanny with the most votes will win the $5,000 grand prize and title of "America's Top Sitter." The winner will be announced on March 20.

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